Opportunity forces tough call for Schade

When she opened the letter containing the news that changed her immediate plans, she figured that it had to be intended for someone else.

Schade, who recently resigned from her position as Conrad Weiser's girls basketball coach, learned about a month ago that she had been selected for the Loretta Rocco Memorial Scholarship at Thomas Jefferson University.

"I thought it was a mistake because I didn't apply," Schade said. "You don't apply for this. The faculty gets together and chooses. I didn't put my name in for anything.

"They choose a graduate student. You get the scholarship and a chance at a really good internship."

Schade, who teaches at Conrad Weiser, has a master's degree in biology education. She began working on a master's in biomedical science and microbiology about three years ago at Jefferson.

Schade wasn't in a hurry and assumed she would coach, teach and attend grad school part time for a few more years.

"This all happened so fast," she said. "I had to make a decision. With the time involved, you just can't do both (school and coaching). It was tough, because I love basketball. I loved what I was doing, but the career choice just had to take over."

Schade just completed her seventh season with the Scouts, who went 16-9 overall, finished third in Berks II and qualified for the District 3-AAA playoffs.

She'll continue to teach full time while she works toward a second master's and a doctorate. Schade plans to pursue a career in medical research and neuroscience.

"It will take up a lot of my spare time," Schade said, referring to school and the internship. "What's nice is I can keep my teaching job. But it's going to be a pretty large commitment."

She'll remain a part of Berks basketball through 3-Point Goal, the organization she founded to recognize outstanding senior girls players from the Berks League. The group, which also emphasizes leadership, recently announced its 2012-13 award winners.

"I'm still going to really put the time into the 3-Point Goal," Schade said. "That organization is important to me."